This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, without charge to you, should you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Kakadu Nationwide Park is Australia’s largest nationwide park, and is made up of floodplains crammed with saltwater crocs, escarpments etched with historical aboriginal rock artwork that spans 20,000 years, and hidden swimming holes protected by gorges.
Simply three hours’ drive east of Darwin, this UNESCO World Heritage website is one in every of Australia’s best landscapes. Overlaying almost 20,000 sq. kilometres, Kakadu has a lot to supply. It’s an unlimited park famed for its biodiversity, wildlife, and aboriginal heritage.
It’s a profoundly non secular place that provides journey, cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, distinctive natural world, and distinctive star-gazing. Should you’re considering of visiting Kakadu Nationwide Park, this information has the whole lot it’s essential to know to plan your journey.
Why is Kakadu Nationwide Park so well-known?
Kakadu is legendary as a result of it brings collectively three issues few locations on the planet can declare directly: immense pure magnificence, extraordinary biodiversity ,and one of many oldest dwelling cultures on Earth.
It covers an space almost half the dimensions of Switzerland, it’s Australia’s largest nationwide park, and a UNESCO World Heritage website listed for each its cultural and pure significance – a uncommon double honour.
Made up of wetlands, rivers, water holes you’ll be able to swim in, spectacular rock formations, aboriginal rock work, prehistoric monuments, and an abundance of wildlife, you’ll be able to wager there are numerous issues to do in Kakadu Nationwide Park to maintain you busy.
Additionally it is house to over one-third of Australia’s fowl species, and hundreds of plant species similar to pandanus and cycads.
What number of days do you want in Kakadu Nationwide Park?
I as soon as heard a couple of author who had visited Kakadu Nationwide Park on a bunch tour after visiting Litchfield Nationwide Park on the identical day!! Two excellent nationwide parks separated by a great three-hour drive. I used to be flabbergasted.
I used to be unhappy that individuals may learn that overview and suppose Kakadu is worthy solely of a quick go to – nothing however a spot that’s scorching with numerous mosquitos and a magical sundown which you could’t absolutely recognize since you’re on the nice High Finish race to see all of it in a day.
The minimal variety of days it’s essential to spend at Kakadu Nationwide Park is three days, however should you can spend longer, I might counsel spending a whole week there. Your Parks Go does grant you a full week, and there’s good motive for that. There’s tons to see and do.
Should you don’t have the means and time to expertise Kakadu correctly then I counsel holding off till you’ll be able to, in any other case, you’re simply losing your money and time. You may’t get to comprehend it should you race in for an evening.
Greatest time to go to Kakadu Nationwide Park
Timing issues when planning your journey to Kakadu Nationwide Park. Within the dry season (Could to October), waterfalls skinny to swimmable swimming pools and roads open to distant corners of the park. Within the moist season (November to April), storms remodel the panorama right into a lush, dramatic expanse.
We visited Kakadu Nationwide Park on the finish of the dry season, when it wasn’t at its full inexperienced and moist glory, however nonetheless stunning with a lot to take pleasure in.
The very best time to see the nationwide park is after a giant moist season, when the waterfalls are full and the water holes are at their fullest. The moist season is in the course of the tropical summer time and can be the most cost effective time to go to because it’s the off-season. The dry season has cooler temperatures, however you’ll discover most of the waterfalls have dried up.
Issues to do in Southern Kakadu Nationwide Park
As we had arrived from Katherine Gorge, so Cooinda within the Southern a part of the park was an ideal first base for us. From right here, you’re completely based mostly to discover the next points of interest in Kakadu Nationwide Park…
1. Yellow Water Billabong Cruise: A Journey Via Kakadu’s Wetlands
The mist floats above the water because the solar gently rises casting a tender yellow and pink glow over the billabong. Slowly it wakens, flocks of egrets soar above, and magpie geese come into land, sea eagles perch above searching for their morning feed, whereas all eyes within the boat actively search out the traditional instance of excellent evolution.
Our information factors forward to a one-metre tail swaying forwards and backwards barely making a ripple within the water. That is what most of us have been ready to see within the Kakadu wetlands – a croc stealthily attempting to find his breakfast.
We’re positive to maintain our palms and heads contained in the boat figuring out that they’ve survived for thousands and thousands of years as a result of they’re grasp predators.
We see this later when our boat glides previous the pink lotus flowers and water lilies, and we’re startled by a sudden snap. We flip and solely simply see the hungry monster slide again into the water with its barramundi breakfast.
The Yellow Water Cruise was one in every of our favorite experiences in Kakadu. We extremely advocate visiting at dawn when the air continues to be and the climate nice.
The billabong is plentiful with wildlife and dawn is whenever you see it get up. I used to be stunned by how a lot I loved seeing and studying about all of the birdlife.
I might like to do the Paul Arnold sundown pictures tour – the proper place to discover ways to enhance your nature pictures.
Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise is featured and run by Gagudji Dreaming, which relies on the Cooinda Lodge. Additionally they supply a variety of different excursions similar to fishing on Yellow Water and cruises below the celebrities. You can too camp right here or keep on the lodge.
2. Swim within the Gunlom Falls plunge swimming pools
Gunlom Falls was one in every of my favorite locations in Kakadu, if not one in every of my favourite locations on the planet. It turned well-known after it was featured within the Crocodile Dundee motion pictures, and was closed for six years however I’m happy to say it’s reopened once more now!
The highway there in was somewhat tough in locations, however we managed it in our Ford Territory. We drove by way of grass fires to get there so had been somewhat nervous as the world was closed solely days earlier than due to fires.
There’s a steep stroll as much as Gunlom Falls from the automotive park, however the children managed it okay. It’s nicely price going up there, even when you need to carry your younger kids. The sweeping views out to the valley are simply spectacular, which will be appreciated straight from nature’s greatest infinity pool.
The waterhole is surrounded by shady gums and excellent for a refreshing swim (sure, you’ll be able to swim in Kakadu Nationwide Park), and a spot of lunch.
I simply felt like I used to be an angel standing on the fringe of the world from up right here. It was such a serene and magical place. It’s by far my favorite waterhole in Australia and probably my favorite view.
The children had a ball swimming right here with their mates Jack and Scarlett. I can nonetheless hear their squeals of pleasure now! There’s a plunge pool on the base of the falls, however that was closed with a croc warning signal, so I’d simply stick with taking the stroll up the highest on your swim!
3. Swim in Maguk (Barramundi Gorge)
Maguk, previously Barramundi Gorge, is a pristine pure waterfall and plunge pool on the base of steep gorge partitions. It’s accessed by a 14km four-wheel drive observe off the Kakadu Freeway, adopted by a one kilometre stroll by way of monsoon forests, crossing Barramundi Creek.
We did our easiest to get to this waterhole late within the afternoon after our big day doing the wetlands cruise and Gunlom. Our pal Laurence from Discovering the Universe who drove 60,000 kilometres round Australia mentioned Maguk was his favorite swimming gap within the nation.
Sadly, for us we received bogged midway in on the 150-metre tender sand part. Our automotive doesn’t have excessive clearance. You want a excessive clearance 4WD to entry Maguk.
By the point we dug ourselves out, wanting like a nasty science experiment gone mistaken, it was too late to strive once more utilizing the onerous bush highway beside the sandy bit. Yeah, we had no thought this was there till an area in his beat up commodore got here driving by and inquired why we didn’t simply use that highway as an alternative!
4. Go to Warradjan Cultural Centre
An incredible place to be taught in regards to the aboriginal tradition and the tribes who stay within the park, the Bininj and Mungguy individuals, is to go to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
It has a very fascinating free museum that tells the story of all of the aboriginal individuals who have lived right here for hundreds of years, making them the oldest dwelling tradition int he world. In addition to some historic modifications which have taken place extra lately.
An in depth exhibit explains the sophisticated kinship legal guidelines, learn conventional house owners tales of rising up in Kakadu and see instruments, message sticks, artworks and stay demonstrations from native artists. Across the centre are a couple of brief walks you are able to do too.
Issues to do in Northern / Japanese Kakadu NP
When visiting the North or Japanese facet of Kakadu, it’s best to base your self in Jabiru. From right here, it’s a straightforward drive to most of the prime issues to do in Kakadu Nationwide Park on the northeast edge.
Jabiru is the primary city inside Kakadu Nationwide Park. You’ll discover companies similar to a grocery store, submit workplace, and financial institution. Jabiru doesn’t have as a lot lodging as Cooinda, however there are nonetheless some nice campsites and lodges you’ll be able to select from.
5. Bowali Customer Centre
Should you keep at Jabiru campground, I like to recommend driving alongside the 4-kilometer return nature path to Bowali Customer Centre. The customer centre is superbly designed and hosts in depth shows and details about Kakadu. It’s an ideal first cease that can assist you plan your keep in Kakadu.
Kalyra and I loved a day bike out right here winding by way of the woodlands. It begins reverse the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Lodge. You will discover many different strolling trails close to the customer middle too.
6. Discover The East Alligator River Space, Kakadu
The East Alligator River space takes you to the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Take a while to face at Cahill’s Crossing and watch the automobiles cross the Alligator River with saltwater crocodiles swimming up and down close by.
There have been a number of individuals standing close to the sting of the river fishing. No thanks! Should you drive throughout, you need to time the tides proper to get throughout this river.
7. Go to the Manbiyarra Border Retailer
Simply down the highway from Cahills Crossing is the Manbiyarra (Border Retailer) which is open from late Could to October. Right here you’ll be able to browse Indigenous-owned Injalak Arts, and see work on bark and paper, in addition to weavings, sculptures, and hand-printed materials.
Verify the Kakadu occasion information as typically there are talks and artwork periods on the border retailer.
We sat with two Aboriginal males one afternoon as they painted their artworks. It was an ideal expertise for the youngsters to see and we cherished speaking to the lads to listen to their tales and traditions.
8. Take a look at Ubirr Rock Artwork
If you wish to see some historical rock artwork galleries, then you definately’ll discover the most effective aboriginal rock artwork websites in Ubirr.
Guided talks on native Aboriginal tradition and Kakadu’s rock artwork usually run over a day by way of the Ubirr rock artwork gallery. An Aboriginal ranger will let you know most of the tales behind the work on the wall of the 1km round stroll.
One of the iconic work is the Rainbow Serpent gallery, which is without doubt one of the oldest items of rock artwork and an essential piece to the park’s conventional house owners. It even impressed the emblem for the nationwide park.
These excursions will be fairly common and we discovered it tough to listen to the softly spoken information. It was additionally a problem having to handle the youngsters on the similar time. They did love seeing the rock artwork although!
9. Witness the spectacular sundown over the Nardarb Floodplains
Time your tour on the Ubirr rock artwork for the afternoon so you’ll be able to then head straight as much as the highest of the rock for one of the stunning sunsets you can hope to see over the Nadarb floodplains and Arnhem Land. This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Kakadu, so don’t miss it.
Your hair will stand on finish as you sense the nice non secular essence that exists right here and has been untouched for thousands and thousands of years.
When you’ve got children they may love this opportunity to run round and even simply relaxation for awhile and take in the sweetness.
Issues to do in Kakadu’s Nourlangie Space
Head to the Nourlangie area for extra thrilling points of interest in Kakadu. See rock artwork, stroll across the Billabong, after which benefit from the sundown.
10. Take a Nourlangie Rock Artwork Tour
There was no one else on this unimaginable rock artwork gallery after we visited. The artwork websites and Aboriginal shelter will be explored alongside a 1.5km loop stroll. It additionally takes you to Gunwarrddehwardde Lookout viewing platform with spectacular views of the escarpment.
We cherished the portray and story of Nabulwinjbilwinj, a harmful spirit who likes to bang females on the pinnacle with a yam after which eat them.
One other essential piece of rock artwork at Nourlangue is Namarrkon, an image depicting the creation ancestor named Namarrkon, who the aborigines consider is liable for the lightning storms that happen each tropical summer time.
11. Catch the Sundown at Nawurlandja Lookout
One other spectacular sundown, with out the crowds, is at Nawurlandja. It’s a brief 600-metre climb and provides views over Nourlangie, the escarpments of Arnhem Land, and the Anbangbang Billabong, which is common to stroll round.
The sundown is just not as putting as Nadarb, as you’re looking away from the setting solar, however simply as serene and delightful. The children had a ball enjoying disguise and search right here with Jack and Scarlett.
12. Birdwatch at Mamukala Wetlands
On the way in which out of Kakadu, heading in the direction of Darwin, the Mamukala Wetlands is supposed to be an ideal brief 3km stroll to discover the wetlands. It’s mentioned to be spectacular in the course of the dry season with an inflow of migratory birds.
There’s a straightforward stroll to an commentary platform within the paperbarks at Mamukala wetlands and is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go fowl watching.
You may see a lot of Australia’s fowl species from right here, together with kites, comb-crested jacanas, cormorants, purple swamp hens, finches, and kingfishers.
13. See Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu
Jim Jim Falls is alleged to be one of the spectacular waterfalls in Kakadu. It has a deep plunge pool and is surrounded by 150 metre excessive cliffs. Verify with the customer centre because the falls will most likely have dried up by the tip of the dry season. Through the moist, the highway turns into impassable so that you’ll should see it through a scenic flight.
14. See Twin Falls
10km additional on from Jim Jim Falls is Twin Falls, accessed by way of a deep creek crossing (croc beware). You may stroll (6km) as much as the plateau above Twin Falls, and luxuriate in some stunning views. You may bush camp out on this space.
15. Take a look at Koolpin Gorge (Jarrangbarnmi)
Everybody raves about Koolpin Gorge (Aboriginal identify Jarrangbarnmi,) and it’s simple to see why. The gorge, which is the handiwork of the Koolpin Creek over hundreds of years, is also called the Large’s Staircase.
Entry is seasonal and requires a allow and a excessive clearance 4WD. It’s actual wilderness tenting and climbing, however should you’re up for it, you’ll nearly have the waterfalls and swimming holes to your self!
Ideas for visiting Kakadu Nationwide Park
Kakadu Nationwide Park is a 3 hour drive from Darwin, and there are numerous excursions that take you into Kakadu from there. Nonetheless, to actually benefit from your expertise, I counsel you skip the tour, seize a bunch of mates, and break up the prices of hiring a automotive and go your self.
When you’re in Kakadu, apart from your tenting and entrance charges, your prices are minimal because it’s simply nature you’re exploring.
Listed here are another prime ideas for taking advantage of your journey:
- Camp within the park in one of many a number of campsites. Sleep below the celebrities and let the sounds of nature lul you to sleep. We camped for 5 nights at Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park in Jabiru, the primary city.
- Drive it your self. Don’t hassle with a tour, they may drive previous a number of the most stunning landscapes. To ensure you don’t miss something, do it your self.
- Take a scenic flight. After you have explored the park on the bottom, you’ll be able to actually recognize its dimension and magnitude by taking a scenic flight and seeing it from above.
- Get a 4WD automobile as there are some areas you can not entry with out one.
- Be sure you go to each Cooinda and Jabiru individually and keep in every city for a pair nights. Each provide you with entry to completely different components of the park and can save driving lengthy distances to get to the assorted websites to discover.
- Take mosquito repellent. It was just one night time we observed they had been significantly vicious.
- When you’ve got children, take a look at our ideas for climbing with children.
- Relaxation in the course of the warmth of the day and stroll/discover in the course of the morning and night.
- Pack loads of snacks, water, and meals.
IMPORTANT: It’s important you converse to the Kakadu rangers and take note of ALL indicators in Kakadu. Crocs will be present in all rivers and most waterholes. Don’t danger it.
Getting there
We arrived from Katherine and so entered the park from the Southern part at Pine Creek (150 km from Katherine) If coming from Darwin, you’ll be able to enter from the northern part of the park from the Arnhem Hwy (240 km from Darwin) Unleaded and diesel gas is accessible from Kakadu Resort (at South Alligator), Jabiru, Cooinda, and Goymarr Vacationer Park.
Opening hours and entrance charges
It’s essential buy a parks go to enter Kakadu Nationwide Park, and costs range relying on whether or not you go to within the dry or moist season. Every Park Go grants you entrance for 7 days, and will be bought on-line.
Kakadu Nationwide Park is open all yr spherical, however some highway shut as a consequence of climate situations. You may verify closures right here.
The place to remain in Kakadu Nationwide Park
The place you keep relies on whether or not you’re visiting the North or South of the park.
Cooinda Lodge is within the coronary heart of Kakadu and has a lodge and tenting lodging. The resort provides every day actions, which can embody bush-tucker talks, stargazing, bush walks, bird-watching excursions, slide reveals, and bingo nights.
Tenting costs rely on whether or not you e-book a powered website or a non-powered website. You can too e-book a lodge should you don’t wish to camp. Most campsites are fairly nicely outfitted with scorching showers, bathrooms and WiFi.
Within the Northern facet of Kakadu, the Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park is without doubt one of the hottest locations to remain. It is a excellent spot to camp to discover Ubirr and Nourlangie. The Kakadu Lodge and campground right here usually has night ranger talks and an ideal restaurant and pool.
You may browse extra lodging choices in Kakadu Nationwide Park within the following interactive map:
Last ideas
After touring round Australia for 18 months, Kakadu was in my prime highlights.
The place else on the planet are you able to come and see towering purple rugged escarpments, spectacular gorges, floodplains, artwork galleries hundreds of years outdated, pockets of lush rainforests, billabongs dotted with lotus flowers within the mangroves and lurking crocs, waterfalls cascading into plunge swimming pools?
Whether or not you’re trying to see wildlife, find out about aboriginal tradition and rock artwork, or run round pretending to be in a Crocodile Dundee film, you’ll discover all of it right here. Kakadu is a really particular place in Australia and deserves to be explored wholeheartedly.
Extra Northern Territory Journey Ideas
Are you visiting different components of the Northern Territory? Then you could discover the next guides helpful:
Pin To Save It On Pinterest
Are you planning on visiting Kakadu Nationwide Park? What are you most excited for? Tell us within the feedback!
